U.S. patent application number 16/255083 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-27 for washing machine having improved maintenance features.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hye-Ung KIM.
Application Number | 20200063326 16/255083 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69586913 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200063326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Hye-Ung |
February 27, 2020 |
WASHING MACHINE HAVING IMPROVED MAINTENANCE FEATURES
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to a washing machine.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a washing
machine, wherein an inner wall of a water tank (20) is visible from
an inner space of a washing tub (30) so a user can easily remove
foreign materials such as slime accumulated on the inner wall of
the water tank (20) and visibly check whether the foreign materials
are removed. The washing machine having: a casing part; a water
tank for storing washing water and having a washing tub, the
washing tub for receiving washing items stored therein and being
rotated by a driving means; and at least one discharge member
including at least one discharge opening for discharging
circulating washing water to an inner space of the washing tub,
wherein the washing tub includes a first observing element provided
thereon, the first observing element allowing the washing tub to
communicate with the water tank when an inner wall of the washing
tub with which the discharge member is combined is opened.
Inventors: |
KIM; Hye-Ung; (Bupyeong-gu,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Gwangju |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
69586913 |
Appl. No.: |
16/255083 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/083 20130101;
D06F 23/04 20130101; D06F 35/008 20130101; D06F 37/267 20130101;
D06F 39/10 20130101; D06F 37/261 20130101; B08B 9/0817
20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/08 20060101
D06F039/08; D06F 23/04 20060101 D06F023/04; B08B 9/08 20060101
B08B009/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 22, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018- 0097968 |
Claims
1. A washing machine comprising: a casing constituting an overall
exterior and protecting components therein; a water tank operable
to store washing water; a washing tub positioned in a space defined
by an inner wall of the water tank, wherein the washing tub is
operable to store washing items therein and to rotate by a driving
means coupled to a side of the washing tub; at least one discharge
member comprising at least one discharge opening disposed on a
front surface thereof and operable to discharge circulating washing
water to an inner space of the washing tub; and a first observing
element disposed on the washing tub, the first observing element
operable to allow the washing tub to communicate with the water
tank when an inner wall of the washing tub is opened, wherein the
inner wall of the washing tub is connected to the discharge
member.
2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the discharge member is
removably connected to the inner wall of the washing tub, and the
first observing element has a shape complementary to a shape of a
rear surface of the discharge member.
3. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the discharge member is
operable to supply washing water circulating through a flow path
thereof via the discharge opening disposed on the front surface of
the discharge member to the inner space of the washing tub and
wherein the discharge member also comprises a water supply member
operable to cover the first observing element disposed on the
washing tub.
4. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the washing tub
comprises through holes disposed on sides neighboring the first
observing element, wherein the through holes are formed through the
inner wall of the washing tub, and wherein the water supply member
comprises coupling pins disposed on a rear surface thereof and
protruding therefrom, wherein the coupling pins extend in
horizontal directions from the rear surface of the water supply
member and further extend bent downward for insertion into and
connection with the through holes.
5. The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a recessed
part disposed on one side thereof, the recessed part recessed at a
predetermined depth from a front surface thereof to a rear surface
thereof and further comprises a filter guide member positioned
adjacent to edges of the first observing element, and wherein the
discharge member is inserted into an inner space of the recessed
part and includes a frame member operable to discharge circulating
washing water to the inner space of the washing tub.
6. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the filter guide member
further comprises a coupling plate disposed on a rear surface
thereof, the coupling plate being removably connected with the rear
surface of the filter guide member to cover the first observing
element.
7. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein the coupling plate
comprises a first combination pin disposed on an upper surface
thereof wherein the first combination pin fixes an upper side of
the coupling plate to the inner wall of the washing tub by being
inserted into an insertion hole provided on the inner wall of the
washing tub.
8. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the frame member
comprises: a case member disposed on a front surface thereof, the
case member operable to supply washing water via the discharge
opening provided on one side of the case member to an inner space
of the washing tub; a filter part of a mesh structure disposed on a
rear surface of the case member and operable to filter foreign
materials included in the washing water; and a flow path forming
member connected to a rear side of the case member, the flow path
forming member having a first flow path defined in cooperation with
the inner wall of the case member and having a second flow path
defined by a space between the filter guide member.
9. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein a height of the flow
path forming member is less than a height of the case member.
10. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the filter guide member
further comprises a combining step disposed on an upper side of the
recessed part and protruding therefrom to a center of the washing
tub in a horizontal direction, and wherein the case member
comprises a combining part disposed on an upper surface thereof,
the combining part flexibly varying in thickness to be in close
contact with the combining step, and wherein further, the combining
part comprises a bent part having a U shape and disposed on the
upper surface of the case member, the bent part being pressed in an
upper side thereof by a lower surface of the combining step, and a
protruding part being in contact with a front surface of the
combining step by extending from the upper side of the bent part in
a protruding direction of the protruding part.
11. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the first observing
element is configured to be within a range of 50 mm to 90 mm in
horizontal length and within a range of 500 mm to 700 mm in
vertical length, and wherein further, the discharge member is
longer than the first observing element corresponding thereto in
vertical length and horizontal length to cover the first observing
element wherein the first observing element can be selectively
covered and uncovered.
12. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the recessed part is
longer than the first observing element in vertical length and
horizontal length, and wherein the first observing element is
within a range of 50 mm to 90 mm in horizontal length and within a
range of 500 mm to 700 mm in vertical length, and wherein further
the recessed part is configured to be within a range of 80 mm to
100 mm in horizontal length and within a range of 700 mm to 800 mm
in vertical length.
13. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein the coupling plate has
a shape complementary to a shape of the first observing element and
is configured to have a same size as a size of the first observing
element.
14. A washing machine comprising: an outer casing operable to
protect components therein; a water tank operable to store washing
water; a washing tub positioned in a space defined by an inner wall
of the water tank, wherein the washing tub is operable to have
washing items stored therein and operable to be rotated by a
driving means connected to a lower part of the washing tub; a frame
member disposed in an inner space of a filter guide by being
inserted thereinto and operable to discharge circulating washing
water via discharge openings provided on one side of the frame
member to an inner space of the washing tub; and a filter guide
member disposed on one side of an inner wall of the washing tub,
the filter guide member comprising a recessed part recessed at a
predetermined depth from a front surface thereof to a rear surface
thereof and being open on a part of a rear surface thereof, and
wherein the washing tub comprises a first observing element
provided thereon, the first observing element allowing the washing
tub to communicate with the water tank when an inner wall of the
washing tub, with which a case member is connected, is opened.
15. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the filter guide
member comprises a coupling plate disposed on an open rear surface
of the filter guide member, the coupling plate being removably
connected with the filter guide member and is operable to cover the
first observing element.
16. The washing machine of claim 15, wherein the coupling plate
comprises a first combination pin and a second combination pin
disposed on an upper surface thereof and a lower surface thereof,
respectively, wherein the first combination pin and the second
combination pin fix an upper side of the coupling plate and a lower
side thereof, respectively, to the inner wall of the washing tub
and are inserted into insertion holes provided on the inner wall of
the washing tub.
17. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the filter guide
member is arranged adjacent to edges of the first observing element
or arranged to cover a part of the first observing element.
18. The washing machine of claim 15, wherein the frame member
comprises a filter part arranged on the discharge openings of the
case member to filter any foreign materials in the washing
water.
19. The washing machine of claim 15, wherein the frame member
further comprises a flow path forming member connected on a rear
side of the case member at a rear side of the filter part, wherein
the flow path forming member having a first flow path defined in
cooperation with the inner wall of the case member and the flow
path forming member having a second flow path defined by a space
between the filter guide member.
20. The washing machine of claim 15, further comprising: the case
member, wherein the case member is disposed at a position
corresponding to a position of a second observing element disposed
on the water tank and operable to cover an open space defined by
the second observing element, wherein the case member includes the
discharge openings provided on a front surface thereof to supply
circulating washing water to the inner space of the washing tub.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2018-0097968, filed Aug. 22, 2018, the entire
contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a washing
machine. More particularly, the embodiments of the present
invention relate to a washing machine having improved maintenance
features.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Generally, a washing machine is mechanical appliance for
washing items such as clothes, etc., using electric power, and
includes a water tank 910 for storing washing water and a rotating
tub 930 provided in the water tank and rotated by a drive motor
970. In addition, the rotating tub 930 includes at least one guide
filter 950 arranged on an inner wall of the rotating tub 930 to
supply washing water to items positioned on an inner side of the
washing machine (see FIG. 1).
[0004] Generally, when the washing machine 900 as shown FIG. 1 is
used over time, foreign materials such as slime, etc., and other
material, are accumulated on an inner wall of the water tank 910.
Accordingly, the inner side of the water tank 910 requires regular
cleaning to remove this built-up material. As for the conventional
washing machine 900, in the process of washing, various problems
can occur, and a detailed description thereof is presented
below.
[0005] First, to clean the inner side of the water tank 910, the
rotating tub 930 needs to be completely disassembled from the water
tank 910, which disassembly must be performed by skilled workers.
Accordingly, the method of cleaning the water tank 910 by
disassembling the washing machine enables thorough cleaning, but
the method is complex and requires additional consumer expense.
[0006] Furthermore, although cleaning may be performed by using a
cleaning solution, it is not possible for a user to visualize the
inner wall of the water tank 910 and thus the user cannot determine
if the cleaning removed all the built-up material as described
above.
[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention
describes a washing machine, wherein it is possible to enable easy
cleaning of the inner wall of the water tank and to determine
whether the appliance is completely clean of the above described
built-up material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include a
washing machine, wherein a first observing element is provided to
open an inner wall of a washing tub with which a discharge member
supplying washing water is combined, so that a user can observe an
inner wall of a water tank from an inner space of the washing tub.
This configuration enables easy removal of foreign materials, such
as slime, etc., accumulated on the inner wall of the water tank,
and enables a visual inspection by the user of whether or not the
cleaning process completely removed the foreign accumulated
materials from the inner wall.
[0009] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention include a
washing machine, wherein a first observing element is used to
enable cleaning an inner wall of the water tank to eliminate the
need to completely disassemble the washing machine in order to
clean the inner wall and also to thereby reduce expenses associated
with the cleaning process.
[0010] In addition, embodiments of the present invention include a
washing machine, wherein a discharge member positioned on a front
side of a first observing element is coupled to or decoupled from
an inner wall of the water tank to promote the efficient
circulation of washing water during cleaning and to enable the
inner wall of the water tank to be observed according to user need
during the cleaning process and for visually determining when a
cleaning may be required.
[0011] Additionally, embodiments of the present invention include a
washing machine, wherein a coupling plate constitutes a part of a
rear surface of a filter guide member and is removably combined
with the filter guide member such that filtered washing water
supplied into an inner space of the water tank is not prevented
from forming a flow path.
[0012] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention include a
washing machine, wherein while unfiltered washing water (including
foreign materials) is supplied to the washing machine, filtered
washing water is supplied to an inner space of the washing tub in
order to promote easy circulation of the washing water.
[0013] In order to achieve the above objects, embodiments having
the following configuration are provided.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a washing machine including: a casing part constituting
an outer wall of the washing machine and protecting components
therein; a water tank for storing washing water and having a
washing tub positioned in space defined by an inner wall of the
water tank; the washing tub for receiving washing items stored
therein and operable to be rotated by a driving means coupled to
one side of the washing tub; and at least one discharge member
including at least one discharge opening disposed on a front
surface thereof and operable to discharge circulating washing water
to an inner space of the washing tub, wherein the washing tub
comprises a first observing element provided thereon, the first
observing element allowing the washing tub to communicate with the
water tank when an inner wall of the washing tub, with which the
discharge member is combined, is opened.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the discharge member disposed of the washing machine may be
removably combined with the inner wall of the washing tub, and
wherein the first observing element is configured with a shape that
is complementary to a shape of a rear surface of the discharge
member.
[0016] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the discharge member provided in the washing machine may
supply washing water circulating through a flow path thereof via
the discharge openings provided on the front surface of the
discharge member to the inner space of the washing tub and includes
a water supply member that covers the first observing element that
is provided on the washing tub.
[0017] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the washing tub provided in the washing machine may
further include through holes provided on sides neighboring the
first observing element, wherein the through holes are formed
through the inner wall of the washing tub, and wherein further the
water supply member may include coupling pins disposed on a rear
surface thereof and protruding therefrom, wherein the coupling pins
extend in horizontal directions from the rear surface of the water
supply member and are bent downward for insertion into, and for
combination with, the through holes.
[0018] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the washing machine may include a recessed part provided
on one side thereof, the recessed part being recessed at a
predetermined depth from a front surface thereof to a rear surface
thereof and may further include a filter guide member adjacent to
edges of the first observing element, and wherein the discharge
member may be disposed in an inner space of the recessed part by
being inserted thereinto and may include a frame member operable to
discharge circulating washing water to the inner space of the
washing tub.
[0019] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the filter guide member may further include a coupling
plate disposed on a rear surface thereof, the coupling plate being
removably combined on the rear surface of the filter guide member
to cover the first observing element.
[0020] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the coupling plate may include a first combination pin,
the first combination pin disposed on an upper surface thereof such
that the first combination pin fixes an upper side of the coupling
plate to the inner wall of the washing tub wherein the first
combination pin is fixed by being inserted into an insertion hole
provided on the inner wall of the washing tub.
[0021] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the frame member may include a case member disposed on a
front surface thereof, the case member operable to supply washing
water via the discharge openings disposed on one side of the case
member to an inner space of the washing tub; a filter part of a
mesh structure arranged on a rear surface of the case member and
operable to filter foreign materials included in the washing water;
and a flow path forming member combined on a rear side of the case
member, the flow path forming member having a first flow path
defined in cooperation with the inner wall of the case member and
having a second flow path defined as being spaced apart from the
filter guide member.
[0022] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, height of the flow path forming member may be lower than
height of the case member.
[0023] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the filter guide member may further include a combining
step element provided on an upper side of the recessed part and
protruding therefrom to a center of the washing tub in a horizontal
direction, and wherein the case member includes a combining part
disposed on an upper surface thereof, the combining part being
allowed to flex in thickness to come into close contact with the
combining step element, wherein the combining part may have a bent
part in a U shape and disposed on the upper surface of the case
member, wherein the bent part is pressed in an upper side thereof
by a lower surface of the combining step element, and a protruding
part being in contact with a front surface of the step element by
extending from the upper side of the bent part in a protruding
direction from the protruding part.
[0024] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the first observing element may be configured to be
within a range of 50 mm to 90 mm in horizontal length and within a
range of 500 mm to 700 mm in vertical length, and wherein the
discharge member may be longer than the first observing element
corresponding thereto in vertical length and horizontal length to
cover the first observing element in such fashion that the first
observing element can be covered or uncovered.
[0025] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the recessed part may be longer than the first observing
element in vertical length and horizontal length, wherein the first
observing element may be configured to be within a range from 50 mm
to 90 mm in horizontal length and within the range of 500 mm to 700
mm in vertical length, and the recessed part may be configured to
be within a range of 80 mm to 100 mm in horizontal length and
within a range of 700 mm to 800 mm in vertical length.
[0026] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the coupling plate may have a shape complementary to a
shape of the first observing element and may be configured to have
the same size as a size of the first observing element.
[0027] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a washing machine including: a casing
part constituting an outer wall of the washing machine and
protecting components therein; a water tank operable to store
washing water and having a washing tub positioned in space defined
by an inner wall of the water tank; the washing tub operable to
have washing items stored therein and operable to rotate under
control of a driving means connected to a lower part of the washing
tub; a frame member being arranged in an inner space of a filter
guide and being inserted thereinto and operable to discharge
circulating washing water via discharge openings provided on one
side of the frame member to an inner space of the washing tub; and
a filter guide member arranged on one side of an inner wall of the
washing tub, the filter guide member including a recessed part that
is recessed in a predetermined depth from a front surface thereof
to a rear surface thereof and being open on a part of a rear
surface thereof, wherein the washing tub includes a first observing
element disposed thereon, the first observing element allowing the
washing tub to communicate with the water tank when an inner wall
of the washing tub is opened, the inner wall of the washing tub
being combined with a case member.
[0028] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the filter guide member may include a coupling plate
provided on an open rear surface of the filter guide member, the
coupling plate being removably combined with the filter guide
member to cover the first observing element.
[0029] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the coupling plate may include a first combination pin
and a second combination pin disposed on an upper surface thereof
and a lower surface thereof respectively wherein the first
combination pin and the second combination pin fix an upper side of
the coupling plate and a lower side thereof respectively to the
inner wall of the washing tub by being inserted into insertion
holes provided on the inner wall of the washing tub.
[0030] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the filter guide member may be adjacent to edges of the
first observing element or to cover a part of the first observing
element.
[0031] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the frame member may include a filter part arranged on
the discharge openings of the case member so as to filter foreign
materials included in washing water.
[0032] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the frame member may further include a flow path forming
member combined on a rear side of the case member at a rear side of
the filter part, wherein the flow path forming member has a first
flow path defined in cooperation with the inner wall of the case
member and the flow path forming member having a second flow path
defined by being spaced apart from the filter guide member.
[0033] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the washing machine of the present invention may further
include: a case member arranged on a position corresponding to a
position of a second observing element provided on the water tank
and to cover an open space defined by the second observing element,
wherein the case member may include the discharge openings provided
on a front surface thereof for supplying circulating washing water
to the inner space of the washing tub.
[0034] The present invention has the following effects due to the
configuration mentioned above.
[0035] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the
washing machine includes the first observing element to allow an
inner wall of the washing tub (with which a discharge member
supplying washing water is combined) to be open, therefore allowing
a user to visualize an inner wall of the water tank from an inner
space of the washing tub. This configuration enables easy removal
of foreign materials, such slime, etc., and other material
accumulated on the inner wall of the water tank and visual checking
and determination of whether or not the foreign materials are
completely removed thereafter from the inner wall.
[0036] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present
invention, the washing machine uses the first observing element to
make an inner wall of the water tank visible during cleaning
thereof, thereby eliminating any need to disassemble the washing
machine for cleaning and thereby reducing cleaning costs and
complexity.
[0037] In addition, according to the embodiments of the present
invention, the washing machine includes the discharge member
positioned on a front side of the first observing element in such a
manner that the discharge member can be coupled to, or decoupled
from, an inner wall of the water tank, thereby promoting the
efficient circulation of washing water during cleaning and also
enabling the inner wall of the water tank to be readily observed as
needed.
[0038] Additionally, according to the embodiments of the present
invention, the washing machine includes the coupling plate
constituting a part of a rear surface of the filter guide member
and being removably combined with the filter guide member, thereby
facilitating forming flow paths of washing water supplied into an
inner space of the washing tub after being filtered.
[0039] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present
invention, the washing machine supplies filtered washing water to
an inner space of the washing tub while supplying unfiltered
washing water, including foreign materials, to the washing machine,
thereby promoting easy circulation of washing water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing some parts of a
conventional washing machine;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a washing tub
viewed from a first direction according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing a washing tub
viewed from a second direction according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 4;
[0046] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a frame member
according to FIG. 4;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the frame member
according to FIG. 4; and
[0048] FIG. 8 is a view showing the state of a first observing
element opened by the frame member and a coupling plate being
removed from an inner wall of the washing tub according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] Hereinbelow, exemplary embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The embodiments of the present invention may be modified
variously, and the scope of the present invention should not
interpreted as being limited to the embodiments presented below but
with reference to the scope of the claims. In addition, the
embodiments of the present invention are presented as a reference
to describe fully the present invention to those skilled in the
art.
[0050] Hereinafter, according to the embodiments of the present
invention, a washing machine having improved maintenance features
will be described in detail referring to the accompanying
drawings.
[0051] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing components of a
conventional washing machine; FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view
showing a washing tub viewed in a first direction according to an
embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is an exploded
perspective view of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view
showing the washing tub viewed in a second direction according to
an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is an exploded
perspective view of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view
of a frame member according to FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is a side
cross-sectional view of the frame member according to FIG. 4; and
FIG. 8 is a view showing the state of a first observing element
opened by the frame member and a coupling plate being removed from
an inner wall of the washing tub according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, the embodiments of
the present invention generally relate to a washing machine. More
particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to a
washing machine, wherein a user is allowed to visualize an inner
wall of a water tank 20 from an inner space of a washing tub 30 for
the purposes of easily removing foreign materials, such as slime,
etc., accumulated on the inner wall of the water tank 20 and also
to visually check whether or not the foreign materials are removed
as part of a cleaning process.
[0053] To this end, the washing machine according to an embodiment
of the present invention may include a casing part 10, the water
tank 20, the washing tub 30, a discharge member 40, a filter guide
member 50, and a driving means 60.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, the casing part 10, or case,
constitutes an entire outer periphery surface or wall of the
washing machine, and for example, is of a hexahedral shape in one
embodiment and is operable to protect and cover components disposed
therein.
[0055] The water tank 20 stores washing water and has the washing
tub 30, which will be described later, positioned in a space
defined by an inner wall of the water tank.
[0056] The washing tub 30 is configured to receive washing items
and to store them therein and may be rotated clockwise or
counter-clockwise by rotational force generated by the driving
means 60 which may be connected to a lower part of the washing tub.
For example, the washing tub 30 is preferably configured to have a
cylindrical shape and is also open at an upper side thereof, but
there are no limitations regarding its shape. In addition, the
washing tub 30 may include the first observing element 310 and a
through hole 330.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, the driving means 60 is positioned on
one side of the washing tub 30, and preferably, is positioned on
the lower part of the washing tub 30, and is configured to generate
the rotational force of the washing tub 30. For example, the
driving means 80 may be a motor, and there is no limit thereto.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, it is appreciated that the first
observing element 310 allows the washing tub 30 to communicate with
the water tank 20 when an inner wall of the washing tub 30 (with
which the discharge member 40 is combined) is opened. Accordingly,
when the discharge member 40, which can be coupled to, or decoupled
from, the inner wall of the washing tub, is removed therefrom, a
user can observe an inner wall of the water tank 20 from the inner
space of the washing tub 30 (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, when the
first observing element 310 is open, the shape of the first
observing element 310 is preferably complementary to a shape of the
rear surface of the discharge member 40. For example, when the
first observing element 310 is open, the first observing element
310 may have a rectangular shape. Therefore, when the discharge
member 40 is removed from the washing tub 30, the inner wall of the
water tank 20 can be observed via the observing element.
Accordingly, when cleaning the water tank 20 to remove foreign
materials, the there is no need to disassemble the washing tub 30
from the water tank 20, and it is possible using the observing
element to check visibly whether the inner wall of the water tank
20 is completely cleaned.
[0059] In addition, the washing tub 30 may include one first
observing element 310 provided on the inner wall thereof, and
preferably, may include a pair of first observing elements 310
provided on opposing sides of the inner wall of the washing tub 30.
There is no limit in the number of first observing elements
employed within embodiments of the present invention.
[0060] The first observing element 310 is configured to allow a
user to observe the inner wall of the water tank 20, and the first
observing element preferably has a sufficient size for easy
observation. For example, a space interval between inner walls of
lateral opposite sides of the first observing element 310, that is,
a horizontal length therebetween is preferably configured to be
roughly 50 mm to 90 mm and more preferably roughly 60 mm to 70 mm.
In addition, a space interval between the inner walls of vertical
opposite sides of the first observing element 310, that is, a
vertical length therebetween is preferably configured to be roughly
500 mm to 700 mm and more preferably roughly 650 mm to 670 mm.
[0061] Generally, since the washing tub 30 is rotatably arranged,
when the horizontal length of the first observing element 310 is
maintained at a predetermined length or more (although the
horizontal length thereof may be relatively narrow as in the above
example), there is no difficulty for user observation. However,
when the horizontal length is excessively narrow, user visibility
is substantially prevented, thus the horizontal length is
preferably configured to be 50 mm or more. Furthermore, when the
horizontal length is configured to be more than 70 mm, a vertical
length of the discharge member 40 that covers the first observing
element 310 also becomes longer, which rapidly decreases the flow
velocity of washing water which flows upward after being introduced
into the discharge member 40 through a lower flow path of an inner
side thereof. Accordingly, the efficient supply of the washing
water into the inner space of the washing tub 30 is restricted and
finally the efficient circulation of the washing water is also
restricted.
[0062] Furthermore, the vertical length of the first observing
element 310 is configured to be sufficiently long, but when the
vertical length of the first observing element is more than 700 mm,
it may be difficult to secure the vertical length of the discharge
member 40, which is required to be longer than the vertical length
of the first observing element 310. That is, washing water may not
reach a discharge opening 40a on an upper side of a water supply
member 410, which will be described later.
[0063] In addition, washing water, which flows over an upper side
of a second flow path "b" of the frame member 430 and turns at 180
degrees and flows to a first flow path "a," may be prevented from
flowing over the upper side.
[0064] Furthermore, when the vertical length of the first observing
element 310 is configured to be less than 500 mm, the inner wall of
the washing tub 30 prevents user observation, which makes it
difficult to achieve the objects of the present invention. However,
the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above
exemplary ranges.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, the through hole 330 is formed through
the inner wall of the washing tub 30 adjacent to the first
observing element 310 and receives a coupling pin 411, which will
be described later, to be inserted thereinto. Accordingly, the
filter guide member 50, which will be described later, can be
securely fixed on the inner wall of the washing tub 30. The through
hole 330 has roughly a rectangular shape and may be provided in
plural, but the scope of the present invention is not limited
thereto.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the discharge member 40 includes
at least one discharge opening 40a provided on a front surface
thereof and supplies circulating washing water to the inner space
of the washing tub 30. At least one discharge member 40 may be
provided on the inner wall of the washing tub 30. In addition, the
discharge member 40 may include the water supply member 410 and the
frame member 430, wherein the water supply member 410 is arranged
directly on the inner wall of the washing tub 30. The frame member
430 is arranged in an inner groove of the filter guide member 50 by
being inserted thereinto, which will be described later. Each of
the water supply member 410 and the frame member 430 is arranged on
a position corresponding to the first observing element 310 to
cover an open space defined by the first observing element 310.
[0067] Furthermore, the discharge member 40 is configured and sized
to completely cover the first observing element 310 in area in such
a manner that the discharge member 40 can open the first observing
element 310 and is preferably configured to be larger than the
first observing element 310. Accordingly, the vertical length and
the horizontal length of the discharge member are configured to be
longer than the vertical length and the horizontal length of the
first observing element 310.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the water supply member 410 is
configured to supply washing water circulating through a flow path
therein via discharge openings 40a to the inner space of the
washing tub 30 and is also operable to be coupled to or decoupled
from the washing tub 30.
[0069] In addition, the water supply member 410 includes the
coupling pin 411 provided on a rear surface thereof by protruding
therefrom, wherein the coupling pin 411 is inserted into the
through hole 330, and comes into contact with (and is fixed to) a
lower surface of the through hole 330. For example, the coupling
pin 411 is extended in a horizontal direction from the rear surface
of the water supply member 410, is bent downward and extended, and
thus is preferably configured to have an overall L shape. At least
one coupling pin 411 is provided on the rear surface of the water
supply member 410. Accordingly, when the water supply member 410 is
removed from the washing tub 30, the first observing element 310 is
opened and thus the inner wall of the water tank 20 can be
observed. Therefore, it is possible to perform efficient cleaning
of the inner wall of the water tank 20.
[0070] Furthermore, preferably, for maintaining a secure connection
of the water supply member 410 with the washing tub, the water
supply member 410 is further combined with one side of the washing
tub 30 by using any well known and suitable combining means, such
as screws and/or fasteners.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the frame member 430 is arranged
in the inner groove of the filter guide member 50 by being inserted
thereinto, which will be described later, and supplies washing
water to the inner space of the washing tub 30. More preferably,
after foreign materials in the supplied washing water are removed,
the filtered washing water is discharged to the inner space of the
washing tub 30. Particularly, washing water flowing to the first
flow path a defined by the combination of a case member 431 with a
flow path forming member 435 is supplied via the discharge openings
40a on a front surface of the case member 431 to the inner space of
the washing tub 30.
[0072] The frame member 430 may include the case member 431, a
filter part 433, and the flow path forming member 435.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 6, the case member 431 constitutes a front
surface of the frame member 430 to supply supplied washing water to
an inner space of the washing tub 30, and includes the discharge
opening 40a provided on a front surface of the case member, and
more preferably, includes multiple discharge openings 40a.
[0074] In addition, referring to FIG. 7, the case member 431
includes a combining part 431a provided on an upper surface
thereof.
[0075] The combining part 431a is provided on the upper surface of
the frame member 430 and the thickness of the combining part can be
flexibly changed or manipulated, which promotes secure combination
with (or the efficient removal of) the frame member 430 from the
filter guide member 50, which will be described later. To this end,
the combining part 431a may include a bent part 431a-1 and a
protruding part 431a-2.
[0076] The bent part 431a-1 is disposed on the upper surface of the
case member 431 and is extended in a predetermined length to the
rear surface of the case member 431 from the front surface thereof
and is again extended with a bend upward and then is again extended
in a predetermined length to the front surface of the case member
431 from the rear surface thereof, and accordingly is configured to
have a U shape generally.
[0077] The protruding part 431a-2 extends from one end of the bent
part 431a-1, and more particularly, is configured to be extended to
an upper side of the case member 431 from an upper end of the bent
part 431a-1.
[0078] Accordingly, the upper surface of the bent part 431a-1 is in
contact with a combining step 530 of the filter guide member 50
without space between such that the case member 431 or the frame
member 430 is securely connected with the filter guide member 50.
On the contrary, when the protruding part 431a-2 is pressed in a
direction contrary to a protruding direction of the protruding
part, the entire thickness of the combining part 431a (which can be
changed) is decreased relatively and accordingly, then an interval
develops between the combining part 431a and the combining step
530. In this case, the case member 431 or the frame member 430 can
be easily removed from the filter guide member 50.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the filter part 433 is arranged
on the discharge openings 40a of the frame member 430. That is, the
filter part 433 is arranged on the rear surface of the case member
431 and is configured to have a mesh structure to filter foreign
materials included in washing water. Generally, washing water
circulating during washing is introduced to the second flow path b
defined by the flow path forming member 435 and the filter guide
member 50 being spaced apart from each other. Washing water flowing
upward through the second flow path b flows to a communication
space of an upper side of the first flow path "a" by an induction
member (not shown). In this case, the washing water introduced to
the first flow path "a" includes foreign materials but the filter
part 433 collects the foreign materials and the filtered washing
water is supplied via the discharge openings 40a to the inner space
of the washing tub 30.
[0080] The flow path forming member 435 is combined on a rear side
of the case member 431, and the flow path forming member has the
first flow path "a" defined in cooperation with the rear surface of
the case member 431. In addition, height of the flow path forming
member 435 is preferably configured to be lower than height of the
case member 431 such that washing water flows over the upper side
of the second flow path "b" and is introduced to the upper side of
the first flow path "a".
[0081] In addition, a lower side of the flow path forming member
435 is preferably hinged to a lower side of the case member 431.
Accordingly, an upper side of the flow path forming member 435 is
rotated to be decoupled from the case member 431, which enables
removal of foreign materials collected by the filter part 433.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, the filter guide member 50 is arranged
on the inner wall of the washing tub 30, and is configured to allow
the case member 431, or the frame member 430, to be inserted into
and held in a recessed space provided on one side of the filter
guide member. To this end, the filter guide member 50 may include a
recessed part 510, the combining step 530, and the coupling plate
550. In addition, the filter guide member 50 is preferably
positioned adjacent to edges of the first observing element 310 or
to cover a part thereof. The filter guide member 50 is positioned
on the inner wall of the washing tub 30 and is preferably
configured to be integral to the washing tub 30. However, the scope
of the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0083] The recessed part 510 is recessed in a predetermined depth
from a front surface thereof to a rear surface thereof such that
the case member 431 or the frame member 430 is inserted into the
recessed part. The recessed shape of the recessed part preferably
has a shape complementary to a shape of the case member 431 or the
frame member 430.
[0084] Furthermore, when the filter part 433 and the coupling plate
550 are removed from the filter guide member 50, the first
observing element 310 is open through the recessed part 510. The
first observing element 310 (open through the recessed part 510) is
configured to be covered by the coupling plate 550. The recessed
part 510 is also preferably configured to be larger than the
coupling plate 550 such that the coupling plate 550 is easily
inserted into and fixed to the inner side of the recessed part 510.
Accordingly, the recessed part 510 is larger in height and width
than the first observing element 310.
[0085] For example, the space interval between inner walls of
opposite sides of the recessed part 510, that is, the horizontal
length therebetween, is configured to be longer than the horizontal
length of the first observing element 310, and for example, is
preferably configured to be around 80 mm to 100 mm. In a case that
the horizontal length of the recessed part 510 is less than 80 mm,
interference with the coupling plate 550 may occur when the
coupling plate 550 is inserted to the inner side of the recessed
part 510, which decreases usability. However, when the horizontal
length of the recessed part 510 is more than 100 mm, the flow
velocity of washing water, which flows upward after being
introduced into the lower side of the second flow path "b" of the
frame member 430, may decrease rapidly.
[0086] In addition, the distance between the inner walls of
vertical sides of the recessed part 510, that is, the vertical
length therebetween is also configured to be longer than the
vertical length of the first observing element 310, and for
example, is preferably configured to be around 700 mm to 800 mm.
When the vertical length is less than 700 mm, the coupling plate
550 is interfered by the recessed part 510, and when the vertical
length is more than 800 mm, washing water is prevented from flowing
over the upper side of the second flow path "b".
[0087] The combining step 530 is positioned on an upper side of the
recessed part 510 by protruding therefrom to a center of the
washing tub in a horizontal direction, and a lower surface of the
combining step 530 contacts with the upper surface of the bent part
431a-1, and a front surface of the combining step 530 contacts with
the protruding part 431a-2. Accordingly, the bent part 431a-1 is in
surface contact with the combining step 530 without a space
interval such that the case member 431 or the frame member 430 is
securely fixed in the inner space of the recessed part 510. In
addition, as mentioned above, the bent part 431a-1 is contracted by
pressing the protruding part 431a-2 in a direction opposite to a
protruding direction of the protruding part such that the case
member 431 or the frame member 430 is easily removed from the
recessed part 510 (see FIG. 7).
[0088] The coupling plate 550 constitutes a part of a rear surface
of the filter guide member 50 and is configured to be removably
connected with the filter guide member 50. Accordingly, when the
coupling plate 550 is removed, the first observing element 310 is
open on the rear surface of the filter guide member 50, and thus it
is possible to advantageously easily remove foreign materials on
the inner wall of the water tank 20 and to check visibly whether
the foreign materials are completely removed after cleaning.
[0089] As mentioned above, the coupling plate 550 is configured to
cover the open space of the first observing element 310, and a body
part of the coupling plate 550 except for a first and second
combination pin 551, 553, which will be described later, and is
configured to be complementary to the first observing element 310.
Preferably, the size of the coupling plate 550 is also configured
to be the same size as the first observing element 310. When the
coupling plate 550 (configured to be longer than the first
observing element 310 in vertical and horizontal lengths) covers
the first observing element 310, one side of the coupling plate 550
or opposite ends thereof form a step in cooperation with the
washing tub 30, which may prevent a flow path from being defined on
the inner side of the frame member 430.
[0090] That is, the width of the second flow path "b" defined on
the inner side of the frame member 430 is not regular, and a space
interval between the coupling plate 550 and the inner wall of the
washing tub 30 occurs, whereby washing water leak may occur in the
second flow path "b".
[0091] To solve this problem, the coupling plate 550 may include a
first combination pin 551 and the second combination pin 553.
[0092] The first combination pin 551 is provided on an upper
surface of the coupling plate 550 and is inserted into an insertion
hole (not shown) formed on the inner wall of the washing tub 30
such that the upper side of the coupling plate 550 is fixed on the
inner wall of the washing tub 30 on a side of the rear surface of
the filter guide member 50. For example, the first combination pin
551 is extended upward from an upper end of the coupling plate, is
bent and extended in a horizontal direction, and is extended
downward, and accordingly, may be configured to have a U shape
generally, but is not limited to this configuration. As shown in
the drawings, a pair of first combination pins 551, being spaced
apart from each other, may be provided on the upper surface of the
coupling plate 550, and the first combination pins 551 may be
provided on a center side of the coupling plate 550, but there is
no limit thereto.
[0093] The second combination pin 553 is provided on a lower
surface of the coupling plate 550 and is inserted into the
insertion hole formed on the inner wall of the washing tub 30 such
that the lower side of the coupling plate 550 is fixed on the inner
wall of the washing tub 30 on the side of the rear surface of the
filter guide member 50. For example, the second combination pin 553
is extended downward from a lower end of the coupling plate, is
bent and extended in a horizontal direction, and is extended
upward, and accordingly, may be configured to have a general U
shape on the whole, but is not limited to this configuration. The
number of the second combination pin 553 has no limitation as the
number of the first combination pin 551 and may be changed.
[0094] Accordingly, when the coupling plate 550 is decoupled from
the recessed part 510 of the filter guide member 50, as mentioned
above, the first observing element 310 is accessible and thus when
cleaning the inner wall of the water tank 20, the washing machine
does not need to be disassembled, thereby eliminating inconvenience
caused by disassembly and also decreasing cleaning costs due to the
disassembly. Furthermore, the inner wall of the water tank 20 can
be easily observed in this configuration, and thus a user can
readily and advantageously determine whether the inner wall of the
water tank 20 is completely cleaned.
[0095] The detailed description above illustrates the present
invention. In addition, the above-mentioned details are described
according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
and the present invention may be used in various combinations,
modifications, and environments. Although a preferred embodiment of
the present invention has been described for illustrative purposes,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed
in the accompanying claims.
* * * * *